For many years the realms of science and business have been seen as distinct entities. Scientists were considered to be individuals who are solely dedicated to expanding knowledge, while business professionals were accountable for transforming that research into new services and products. But more emphasis is being placed on bridges between these two fields to encourage innovation.
This is especially relevant in fields of science, such as medicine, where taking effective decisions under pressure is crucial to success. However, this is also true for more applied fields, such as agronomy, engineering or computer science. In the latter, a mastery of problem-solving and the ability to think through alternative solutions could be the difference between success and failure for an organization.
It is also widely accepted that the scientific method is the best method to follow for businesses. This means that you are committed to testing and re-iterating to achieve the desired results. A thorough understanding of risk and uncertainty is also vital.
While there is some similarities between business and science however, there are many differences. For example, while business talks about sustainable profits, science focuses on sustainability in terms of resource use. Profit-driven thinking could cause over-exploitation of a resource resulting in its eventual exhaustion.
In the final analysis, whether you decide to pursue a career in science or business both require dedication and perseverance. If you’re in the right mindset then the rewards can be enormous.